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A British-born candidate in California’s gubernatorial race has come under fire after promoting a fast-food item as an authentic local delicacy. Steve Hilton, a Republican running for governor, shared a video from Barstow that quickly garnered hundreds of thousands of views and widespread criticism, with users questioning his Californian credentials.
The Controversial Post
Hilton shared his dining experience at Del Taco, a fast-food chain that originated in California. In a video posted on Saturday, he stood beside a freeway, holding what he referred to as a “Barstow street taco.” “Why am I holding a Barstow street taco right now?” he asked, before revealing the Del Taco location, which opened in 1964 as the chain’s first restaurant.
The clip attracted over 700,000 views on social media platform X, sparking a torrent of negative comments. Many viewers labelled him a “fake Californian” for equating a fast-food offering with the traditional street tacos that are a staple of Mexican cuisine.
Online Reactions
The backlash was swift and scathing. One commenter quipped, “He calls it a ‘Barstow street taco,’ instantly disqualifying!” Hilton defended himself, asserting, “It’s what they call it!” However, critics were quick to point out that authentic street tacos are typically served on soft tortillas and filled with high-quality ingredients from local vendors, not fast-food restaurants.
Comments ranged from disbelief to outright ridicule. “Lol that’s not a ‘street taco’ at all,” one user retorted. Another chimed in, “I love Del Taco and the Barstow location but that is in no way, shape, or form a street taco.” One particularly observant commenter even questioned Hilton’s British accent, asking, “Is this guy British?”
While most reactions were critical, a few users supported Hilton’s promotional efforts, with one stating, “Hands down the Best Del Taco! Hope you visit our Victorville area.”
Hilton’s Political Journey
Steve Hilton, 56, is not new to the public eye. Born in London and educated at Oxford University, he previously served as head of strategy for former UK Prime Minister David Cameron. After relocating to California, Hilton became a US citizen in 2021 and transitioned into media, notably as a Fox News commentator.
This April, Hilton formally launched his campaign for governor, joining a competitive race to replace term-limited Democratic incumbent Gavin Newsom. Notably, he received an endorsement from former President Donald Trump last month and has seen a surge in polling since former Democratic candidate Eric Swalwell exited the race amid sexual misconduct allegations, which Swalwell has denied.
Last Wednesday, Hilton participated in a televised debate alongside six other candidates, five of whom were Democrats. Under California’s unique open primary system, all candidates will appear on the same ballot in June, with the top two advancing to the general election in November.
Why it Matters
The incident highlights the intense scrutiny candidates face in the digital age, where a single post can significantly impact public perception. Hilton’s misstep not only raises questions about his authenticity as a Californian but also underscores the importance of cultural understanding in political discourse. As he vies for a prominent position in one of America’s most diverse states, his ability to connect with voters on genuine local experiences will be crucial to his campaign’s success.
